Vehicle Class:
Luxury Grand Tourer / Sports Car
Target Audience:
Affluent buyers seeking performance and style
Key Competitors:
Ferrari Daytona, Aston Martin DBS, Chevrolet Corvette C3 (later models)
Design Language:
Iconic Sir Alec Issigonis and Malcolm Sayer styling
Engine Introduction:
First Jaguar with the V12 engine, a significant engineering feat
Body Configuration:
Long-wheelbase 2+2 coupe, offering practicality alongside performance
Engine Components:
V12 Engine (5.3L), Carburetors, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System
Transmission Components:
Manual Transmission (Moss Gearbox), Automatic Transmission (TorqueFlite A727)
Drivetrain Components:
Rear Axle, Driveshafts, Half-Shafts
Suspension Components:
Front Suspension (Indep.), Rear Suspension (Indep., IRS)
Braking Components:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Disc Brakes, Master Cylinder, Servo Unit
Steering Components:
Power Steering System
Electrical Components:
Wiring Harnesses, Lighting, Gauges, Starter Motor, Alternator
Body And Trim:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass
Fuel System Components:
Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump, Fuel Lines, Carburetors
Exhaust System Components:
Exhaust Manifolds, Mufflers, Pipes
Part Identification:
Detailed diagrams and part numbers for every component
Assembly Disassembly:
Visual guidance on how major assemblies are put together and taken apart
Component Replacement:
Illustrates specific parts for replacement during service or restoration
Interchangeability:
May indicate superseded or interchangeable parts where applicable
Depth Level:
Comprehensive Parts Identification
Diagnostic Focus:
Not a diagnostic manual, focuses on component identification and part numbers
Restoration Utility:
Essential for accurate restoration, sourcing correct parts
Maintenance Focus:
Supports identification of maintenance-related parts
Print Quality:
Typically printed on durable paper, often with black and white diagrams
Binding Type:
Often bound in a sturdy cover for workshop use
Paper Type:
Durable paper stock, suitable for workshop environments
Searchability:
Physical index by section, not digitally searchable like a PDF
Diagrams:
Detailed exploded-view diagrams
Engine Type:
Jaguar V12 (V12 E Type)
Displacement:
5343 cc (5.3 Litres)
Bore X Stroke:
85.6 mm x 77.0 mm
Horsepower Gross:
Approx. 272 bhp (DIN) @ 5850 rpm
Torque Gross:
Approx. 326 lb-ft (DIN) @ 3600 rpm
Carburetor Type:
Four Zenith-Stromberg 1.75" CDSE twin-choke carburetors (early models had Weber 2bbl carburetors)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON or higher recommended)
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition (Lucas)
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 11.3 Litres (10 Imp. Quarts)
Oil Filter Part Number:
Cross Reference often needed, e.g., Fram PH8A, Wix 51515 (verify for exact fitment)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Manual (Moss Gearbox)
Transmission Type:
3-speed Automatic (Chrysler TorqueFlite A727)
Gear Ratios Manual:
Typically: 1st: 2.878, 2nd: 1.775, 3rd: 1.235, 4th: 1.00 (Final Drive: 3.31:1)
Gear Ratios Automatic:
Typically: 1st: 2.45, 2nd: 1.45, 3rd: 1.00 (Final Drive: 2.88:1 or 3.07:1)
Fluid Specification:
GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil (SAE 90)
Fluid Specification:
Dexron-III (or equivalent ATF)
Crash Test Data:
No formal modern crash test ratings available for this era
Braking System:
Four-wheel Dunlop hydraulic disc brakes with servo assistance
Seatbelts:
Lap belts standard, shoulder belts optional/later fitment
Chassis Construction:
Body-on-frame construction with monocoque elements
Audio System:
Optional AM/FM Radio, often with a single speaker
Gauges:
Comprehensive dashboard with tachometer, speedometer, oil pressure, water temperature, voltmeter, fuel gauge
Power Steering:
Standard power-assisted steering
Air Conditioning:
Optional Air Conditioning system
Connectivity Features:
None (designed prior to modern connectivity standards)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (recommended, especially for older engines)
Tune Up Interval:
Every 12,000 miles or 12 months (includes ignition, carb adjustment)
Coolant Flush:
Every 24,000 miles or 24 months
Engine Oil Specification:
20W-50 or 20W-50 HD (Castrol GTX recommended by some specialists)
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Engine Reliability:
V12 can be complex, prone to overheating if cooling system is neglected. Carburetor tuning is critical.
Suspension Wear:
IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) bushings and universal joints require regular inspection and replacement.
Electrical Issues:
Original wiring looms can degrade; Lucas components sometimes referred to as 'Prince of Darkness'.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, sills, floor pans, A-pillars.
Carburetor Adjustment:
Requires precise synchronization and mixture setting of four twin-choke units.
Jaguar Legacy:
Renowned for sports cars and racing success (Le Mans, F1)
E Type Lineage:
Evolved from Series 1, 1.5, and 2, culminating in the Series 3
Series 3 Introduction:
Launched in 1971 with the V12 engine and revised styling
Production Period:
1961-1975 (Series 3: 1971-1975)
Series 3 Production Volume:
Approx. 15,229 units (including all Series 3 variants)
Manufacturing Location:
Coventry, England
